NEBCCOALITIONSUPPORTSPNWLNGPROJECT

The Northeast BC Resource Municipalities Coalition (Coalition) today announced that it supports the Pacific Northwest LNG Project (PNW LNG). The Coalition is satisfied that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has completed a thorough review of the proposed LNG project. CEAA is now seeking public input about the project.

Members of the Coalition include; Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, City of Fort St John, District of Taylor, Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce, Fort St John and District Chamber of Commerce, Energy Services BC, Northern BC Truckers Association and Senator Richard Neufeld. All will write a letter to CEAA stating that they support the PNW LNG project. Coalition members are also encouraging others in Northeast BC and elsewhere around British Columbia to do the same.

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Bill Streeper states “This project is extremely important to Northeast BC. The natural gas required for processing at the PNW facility originates in our region. Thousands of jobs here in Northeast BC depend on this project moving forward. I encourage everyone in our region to write a letter to CEAA stating they support the PNW LNG Project.”

Fort St John Mayor Lori Ackerman adds “The energy industry is a cornerstone of the Northeast BC economy and the current downturn in the energy sector is impacting families and businesses throughout our region. The PNW LNG project has been thoroughly reviewed by CEAA. I’m confident that this project will have minimal impact on the environment. I support this project and I know many others do as well.”District of Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser said “The PNW LNG Project in Northwest BC may seem far away but the economic impact is directly linked to Northeast BC. The natural gas for the PNW LNG project originates in our region. The natural gas for the dozen other proposed LNG projects in BC originates in Northeast BC. Our region has helped British Columbians heat their homes and enjoy hot-water for a half-century. We support projects like PNW LNG that will allow people in overseas markets to enjoy these benefits as well.”

Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Kathleen Connolly, Executive Director states “Our members support an innovative energy industry and a sustainable environment in Northeast BC. It’s not about having one or the other. People in Northeast BC are very aware of the impacts of resource development on the environment and are always vigilant that resource development does not negatively impact the environment. The PNW LNG project has been thoroughly reviewed by CEAA and that allows our Chamber of Commerce to support it.”

District Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Tony Zabinsky, Chamber President added “Our members appreciate that natural gas from Northeast BC can help improve air quality which in turn improves people’s health and environmental sustainability in Pacific Rim markets. Electrical utilities in that region of the world want to reduce the amount of coal used for energy production and replace it with cleaner burning natural gas. The PNW LNG project makes good sense every way you look at it.”Energy Services BC Spokesman Art Jarvis says “It is vital for everyone in Northeast BC and around the province that supports responsible resource development to support the PNW LNG Project. Our members are proud to use leading-edge technology and best-practices to help extract and transport natural gas with minimal impact on the environment. They are also pleased that projects like PNW LNG will ensure that people in overseas markets will have access to the same energy that heats our homes and ensures we have ample hot-water here in British Columbia. Energy Services BC supports PNW LNG.”

Northern BC Truckers Association Director Tyler Kosick states “CEAA has conducted a very thorough review of the PNW LNG Project. Our members support a thorough review of all major projects. No one in Northeast BC or anywhere else in British Columbia supports resource development if it negatively impacts the environment. Our members travel throughout Northeast BC on a daily basis and see first-hand the care and attention the energy industry uses in its day-to-day operations. We support the PNW LNG project and will ask all our members to write a letter of support to CEAA.”

Senator Richard Neufeld stated “Canadians are adamant that they support responsible resource use and protection of the environment. The PNW LNG project represents both and that’s why I’m supporting it. The natural gas from Northeast BC that will supply the PNW LNG Project will be extracted and transported using the best technology and best-practices. CEAA has determined that the PNW LNG Project on Lelu Island near Port Edward will have minimal impact on the environment. This project represents the very best of how Canada can supply clean energy to world markets and help others improve their environment and people’s health.”

The Coalition encourages everyone to make their voices heard by sending a letter of support for the PNW LNG Project to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency via email at: GNLPacificNorthWestLNG@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.